It takes about 3 hours from Naha Airport by car and ferry. The beach is located in the southern part of Izena Island, off the Motobu Peninsula in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island. Is it worth the time? Yes, it is! The cave located 200 meters offshore is like a real dragon’s palace, although it is especially suitable for advanced divers.
Point 1: 3 hours one way? How to get to “Mattila Beach”?
Mattila Beach, located on Izena Island at the tip of Motobu Peninsula in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island, is not easy to get to, taking three hours one way from Naha Airport.
However, the beach is well worth the time.
First, from Naha Airport, take the Okinawa Expressway and Route 58 to “Unten Port” in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa. It takes about two hours to get there.
From Unten Port, take one of the two daily ferry services.
From the port on Izena Island to “Mattila Beach” is a 6-minute drive.
Point 2: What kind of beach is “Mattila Beach”?
In a word, “Mattila Beach” is so beautiful that people who have traveled to beaches all over the world say, “Isn’t this the No. 1 beach?” It is an isolated island, and the water is not even half as clear as it should be.
It is a remote island and the water clarity is unbelievable.
If the weather is clear, the color of the ocean is a mixture of emerald green and deep blue, even in shallow waters. This is not often seen in the central and southern seas.
It is the kind of ocean color that can only be seen in the northern part of the country, and that too on the remote islands.
Point 3: What is the natural cave of “Mattila Beach”?
About 200 meters offshore from “Mattila Beach” is the “Mattila Cave.
The cave is said to be a sacred place for bare diving, with a total length of 100 meters and a depth of about 7 meters.
The cave may sound a bit intimidating to some, but there are several exits to the surface, so there is no need to worry.
While diving, the sparkling shower of light is very beautiful and impressive.
Next to the Matteira Cave, there is a cave with a depth of 3.4 meters, which also offers a bit of adventure.
Although the water is shallower, this cave may require a little more skill, such as using heavier weights. If the weights are too light, you may get caught in the cave, which tends to cause panic.
In any case, do not go alone. If possible, ask someone who is familiar with the cave to bring you along, or join a tour.
